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CHELSEA FC: PAULO'S DERBY DAY

/noticias.info/ Paulo Ferreira is eagerly anticipating getting back to action against West Ham today, knowing that the intensity of an important London derby awaits.

The 29-year-old, who recently signed a new deal at Stamford Bridge to keep him here a further five years, believes we will quickly need to return to top form if we are to avoid becoming the third of the big four beaten at Upton Park this season.

Manchester United and Liverpool both returned to the North West having lost in the league, United for a second successive season, while we are unbeaten against today's opponents since May 2003.

'We know it will be a hard game, the same as at home back in December,' Ferreira said. 'They made it hard for us and we expect no differences when we go there.

'It is a derby game so will mean a lot to the fans. Games against the other London teams are always very fast and physical, and the atmosphere will probably be very good as well,' he added.

Ferreira did not play in the 1-0 win at Stamford Bridge, but witnessed a battling performance from his international team-mate Luis Boa Morte, a player he knows well.

'He is a very talented player and a good person and we are friends away from the pitch. When I first arrived in England, he told me if I needed something to call him and he would help me,' the right-back confirmed.

'But when we play, we are not friends, and will both do our best to help our teams if we play.

'He has been in England many years so knows very well this kind of football. He has pace, skill and knows how to score goals. I think over the years he has become like an English player, a more aggressive player.'

Ferreira has been used sparingly by Avram Grant recently, but did feature against Huddersfield in the FA Cup two weeks ago, and hopes to be involved today.

'It is true I have not played so much lately, but Belletti has done well when he has played, so I will keep working hard in training and hope to be involved soon,' he said.

'I have enjoyed my time so far at Chelsea and look forward to the next five years. We have had a lot of success and hopefully that will continue.'

If you do not have a ticket for today's game, there is a beamback showing at Stamford Bridge priced £10. There is also live commentary on Chelsea Plus. notas_de_prensa_archivo